Sunday, February 24, 2013

Some Rust Required

Give me something old and rusty any day above something shiny and new. When we were renovating our home a few years ago, I was a constant source of amusement to our builders. They installed a shiny metal balustrade of which they were very proud, and were horrified when the artisan arrived to apply his special technique to make it look rusted, weathered and worn.

Nearer the end of the project, after looking around for a long time for a suitably aged and weathered surround for our letterbox, I resorted to buying a new one. My builders, now used to my quirks, suggested I leave it in the swimming pool for a couple of weeks to get the desired look!

The patina of a rusty surface, has so much more character, i.m.h.o., than a shiny new one.

I am particularly fond of rusted bits and pieces in the garden. They look perfect against a green backdrop.

15 comments:

Hi Sharon! I agree, allowing for the patina to show brings warmth and depth to a space. Your gate is stunning and took a lot of guts to do that technique. I can just imagine the blacksmith dying! Have a wonderful week:)xob

Sharon,I agree, love rust. I am currently trying my best to rust a very cheap silver champagne bucket. I wish I knew the best method, so far nothing toxic has worked very well, it must have a very protective sealant on it.Lovely images.Karen

Magnificent and very unique, rusted objects made adorable by creativity and innovation. Seldom I see rusted objects being paired with beautiful and pretty objects such as flowers or gems. Yours is truly an inspiration.

About Me

I am married with four sons. We live in beautiful Cape Town, South Africa. Interior decorating and design has been my passion for as long as I can remember. I am also an incurable Francophile, enjoy good food and fine wine (actually any wine is fine with me) and generally living well.